ABSTRACT
This chapter presents data showing that the market for hardware, software, and operational inputs is well developed in Paraguay. The data are derived from work with three small institutions in Paraguay. The term "small institutions" denotes both small businesses and grass-roots intermediate organizations. The costs of microcomputerization for small institutions in Paraguay are high. Of special importance, hardware and software costs (excluding customization or program creation) account for only 31-57 percent of the total costs. The market for microcomputer services in Paraguay is well developed in some areas and undeveloped in other essential areas. Hardware and software, as well as essential inputs, are available at competitive prices. The chapter provides short-term and long-term policy recommendations that would result in a management and microcomputerization resource within Paraguay. The most useful recommendations for making essential programming and high-level services available to small institutions involve market activation.
